Satellite laser ranging

Abstract

Satellite laser ranging makes a unique contribution to space geodesy by being the only optical space geodesy technique with 1-to 2-cm ranging accuracy capability. Uses of the technique are expanding beyond the regular tracking of Earth satellites or the tracking of the Moon, through the development of laser transponders, which will soon allow regular tracking and other applications (e.g. optical communications and time transfer) in the solar system. Products such as Earth orientation parameters, station position and velocity, as well as orbit calibration facilitate a large range of applications in diverse fields of orbital dynamics, geophysics and geodynamics, reference frame establishment and fundamental physics. Utilising range data determined from the time-of-flight of a laser pulse from an SLR station to a satellite and back, it is possible to adjust force model parameters and estimate a range of parameters which are of interest to different fields of science and applications. In combination with the other space geodetic techniques, SLR is contributing to the maintenance and improvement of the ITRF. The SLR technique continues to be improved in terms of observational and technical aspects, working towards a sub-centimetre accuracy level. Active working groups continuously evaluate and improve the analysis and interpretation of its observables. Furthermore, it is an integral component of the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS), a project of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) through its contributions to the three fundamental geodetic observables and their variations - the shape of the Earth, its gravity field and rotational motion. The ILRS plays an instrumental and guiding role through setting tracking priorities and standards; it also provides channels of communication and promotes international collaboration through working group activities and international meetings. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.